When functioning properly, it remains tightly closed and relaxes only when food is passing through to the stomach.

If it fails to work, the muscle may relax at the wrong time or too frequently, allowing acid to travel back into the esophagus causing acid reflux. When this occurs frequently, it becomes known of GERD.

GERD is commonly known for causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat area. Other symptoms of GERD include an acidic taste in one’s mouth, a feeling of having food stuck in one’s throat, difficulty swallowing, a dry cough, chronic hoarseness and a chronic sore throat.

GERD also causes an irritation in the lining of the esophagus, sometimes causing it to become inflamed. Over time, it wears away the lining causing long term damage, including:

Bleeding

Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition

Ulcers

Narrowing of the esophagus

While all cases of GERD are caused by the frequent occurrence of acid reflux, there are certain risk factors that increase the likelihood that one will experience GERD. The most common risk factors include:

Pregnancy – Pregnant women are extremely likely to suffer from GERD due to the hormone relaxin, which causes the muscles of the body to relax, including those in the digestive system. Also, in the later stages, the growing uterus and baby put added pressure on the stomach, increase the occurrence of acid reflux.

Hiatal Hernia – This is a medical condition where the upper portion of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, increasing acid reflux occurrence. Since the stomach is above the diaphragm, the lower esophageal sphincter is not able to function properly. Typically, this condition is left untreated unless it is causing severe acid reflux or GERD.

Lower esophageal sphincter abnormalities – Two LES abnormalities have been found in a high number of people experiencing GERD. First, weak contracts of the LES, which prevents it from stopping acid from traveling back into the esophagus. Second, transient LES relaxation, which is when the LES relaxes for no reason and often for a longer period of time than is normal. This occurs most often after eating when the stomach is enlarged with food.

Less common risk factors for GERD include:

Diabetes

Delayed stomach emptying

Connective tissue disorders

Dry mouth

Asthma

Other risk factors include certain foods and beverages that have been shown to increase the chance of GERD. The most common ones include:

Coffee

Chocolate

Peppermint

Alcohol

Fatty foods

Citrus fruits and juices

Tomato products

Peppers

Diagnosis

When one is suffering from GERD, a doctor will most likely make a diagnosis based on a detailed account of the symptoms one is experiencing as well as the results from any number of tests. Some of the more common diagnostic exams include:

Ambulatory acid probe test, which monitors the amount of acid present in one’s esophagus over a period of 24 hours.

An x-ray of the upper digestive system

An endoscopy, which is a scope placed down the throat into the esophagus that lets a physician see what, if any, inflammation is present

Esophageal motility test, which tests the movement and pressure in the esophagus

Once diagnosed, there are a number of options available for the treatment of GERD. These options include medications, lifestyle changes and in some severe cases, surgery.

The information provided here is meant to be information and does not constitute medical advice. If one is experiencing symptoms and believes it may be GERD, they should consult a medical professional. One should see a physician for proper diagnosis and to discuss the best treatment options available.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a digestive condition that affects

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